Maryland Scholars Speakers Bureau
2010 / 2011 Training Manual
www.mbrt.org/speak
We must capture the hearts and minds of our young people in order to continue to secure the competitive advantage of our nation. James F. Pitts President, Northrop Grumman ESS Chairman, MBRT Board of Directors
Thank you for joining the Maryland Scholars Speakers Bureau. This is our eleventh year of providing middle and high school students with compelling messages about rigor, relevance and relationships, through a meaningful experience that motivates and inspires them to begin preparing for their future. Without the benefit of your advice, experience, objectivity and care, many students would struggle to understand the relevance of what they are learning in school and to connect the dots on their path to an exciting career. Our volunteers are the best!
June Streckfus, Executive Director, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education
The Maryland State Department of Education is proud to work in partnership with the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education. Together, through Achievement Counts, Maryland Scholars and BeWhatIWantToBe.com, we are influencing and helping students to reach their potential in school and in life. Please accept our gratitude for your commitment and contribution to Maryland’s children.
Nancy S. Grasmick State Superintendent of Schools
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Table of Contents MBRT - 10 Things you should know ............................................................................. 5 Education in Maryland – Why Business Cares .............................................................. 6 Achievement Counts .................................................................................................... 9 Maryland Scholars ......................................................................................... 10 Speakers Bureau ........................................................................................... 18 BeWhatIWantToBe.com ................................................................................ 20 Parents Count ............................................................................................... 22 Workplace Ready? What Employers Say ................................................................... 23 Let’s Get Started........................................................................................................ 25 How This Works ............................................................................................ 26 Important Things You Should Know .............................................................. 28 Lesson Plan ................................................................................................... 29 Handouts....................................................................................................... 32 Presentation Techniques ............................................................................... 39 Advice from Top Presenters .......................................................................... 47
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Maryland Business Roundtable for Education Board of Directors
Members
James F. Pitts, Chairman Northrop Grumman Corporation
AAI Corporation Adventist HealthCare American Trading & Production Corporation Anne Arundel Economic Dev. Comm. Apple AT&T Ayers/Saint/Gross Bank of America Carton Donofrio Partners Cassidy Turley Chevy Chase Bank Citi The Clark Construction Group College of Notre Dame Community College of Baltimore County Constellation Energy Group Data Networks Deloitte Touche DLA Piper Rudnick Energetics Technology Center Franklin Square Hospital Frostburg State University Governor’s Workforce Investment Board Greater Baltimore Committee Hewlett Packard Johns Hopkins Health System Johns Hopkins University KPMG Laureate Education, Inc. Legg Mason Lockheed Martin Lord Baltimore Capital Corporation Loyola University MD M&T Bank Manekin Corporation Martin’s Inc. Maryland Chamber of Commerce Maryland Higher Education Commission Maryland Independent College & University Association Maryland Public Television McCormick & Co., Inc. McDaniel College Middle River Aircraft National Security Agency PHH Arval PNC Bank PricewaterhouseCoopers Regional Management Rosemore, Inc. Salisbury University Smiths Detection Space Telescope Science Institute Stevenson University SunTrust Bank T. Rowe Price Associates Towson University University of Baltimore University of Maryland, Baltimore University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University of Maryland Medical Systems Verizon Washington Gas Whiteford, Taylor & Preston Whiting-Turner Contracting Company
Karen Campbell Verizon James Connaughton Constellation Energy Group Randall Griffin Corporate Office Properties Trust Kevin Hall KPMG Stephanie Hill Lockheed Martin Corporation Freeman A. Hrabowski, III UMBC Vision All children in Maryland achieve a quality education and are well prepared for a productive, successful life.
John C. “Chris” Inglis National Security Agency William E. “Brit” Kirwan University System of Maryland Sandra Kurtinitis Community College of Baltimore Co. Ellen Lord AAI Corporation
Mission To bring the voice of business to support high standards, rigorous assessments, and strong accountability in K-12 education and To demonstrate the connection between achievement in school and success in the workplace, in college and in life.
Kevin J. Manning Stevenson University Robert Marshall AWS WeatherBug Ronald R. Peterson Johns Hopkins Health System Walter D. Pinkard, Jr. Cassidy Turley Henry A. Rosenberg, Jr. Rosemore James B. Sellinger IBM Corporation Janet Smith CitiFinancial
5520 Research Park Drive, Suite 150 Baltimore, MD 21228 410-788-0333 410-788-0233 (fax) www.mbrt.org June E. Streckfus, Executive Director
David Velazquez PEPCO Holdings Alan Wilson McCormick & Company
Chairmen Emeritus Norman R. Augustine Edward F. Mitchell Raymond A. Mason
Is your employer a member?
To join, go to www.mbrt.org or call 410-788-0333 4
10 Things You Should Know About MBRT 1 2
3 4 5
MBRT is the only statewide business group exclusively dedicated to strengthening K-12 education and improving student achievement and workforce preparedness.
Chaired by Jim Pitts of Northrop Grumman and founded in 1992 by Lockheed Martin’s former CEO Norm Augustine, MBRT is a nonprofit coalition of 100 leading employers, 3,000 volunteers, and a staff of six dedicated to ensuring that Maryland students receive a quality education and are well prepared for productive, successful lives.
Working at both the policy and the grassroots levels, MBRT brings the voice of business to deliberations that shape Maryland’s future workforce and leaders.
Maryland employers share MBRT’s concern about the quality of the workforce pipeline and a desire to ensure a bright future for our children, our communities, and our state.
MBRT is a key link to Maryland’s workforce pipeline – middle and high school students. MBRT presents in 7th/8th/9th grade classrooms across the state talking to students about the need for them to take and complete rigorous courses, particularly in math & science.
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Through Achievement Counts, MBRT reaches nearly 50,000 students each year and has a powerful impact on student achievement and career choices and preparation:
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8 9 10
3,000 business volunteers (Speakers Bureau www.mbrt.org/speak) partnerships in every Maryland school district direct access to all middle and high schools in the state an online volunteer management system & refresher training module (www.mbrttraining.org) an innovative, interactive website for teens to explore careers (www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com) an electronic system to deliver information and advice to parents (Parents Count www.mbrt.org/parents) an abundance of meaningful data on course completion and student action a proven track record of success
Data show that 4,500 more Maryland high school graduates qualified as a Maryland Scholar between 2008 and 2009 – an 18% increase. More students are completing Algebra 2, a 4th math, and a 4th science. 220,000 students are working online at www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com to increase their chances of success in high school, college and beyond.
The Governor’s STEM Task Force – co-chaired by University System of Maryland Chancellor Brit Kirwan and MBRT Executive Director June Streckfus – developed 7 major recommendations to strengthen STEM teaching and learning. MBRT is leading the creation of the STEM Innovation Network.
MBRT works in close partnership with state and local education agencies, economic and workforce development officials, and business and community organizations.
MBRT’s operating budget is funded by corporate, higher education and government memberships; and its program budget is funded by government, corporate and foundation grants.
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Education in Maryland – What it means to business
The quality of America’s workforce pipeline is at the heart of our ability to compete and prosper in the global economy of the 21st century. The pipeline needs to be prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. By the end of this decade, more than 60% of jobs will require college education (compared to 28% in 1973). The number of jobs requiring at least a two-year associate’s degree will outpace the number of people qualified to fill those positions by at least 3 million in 2018. (Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements through 2018, Carnevale, 2009)
Today, 45% of Maryland adults age 25-34 have a college degree. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2008)
In Maryland, out of every 100 ninth grade students, 20 will graduate with either an associate’s degree within 3 years or a bachelor’s degree within 6 years. (NCPPHE, 2008)
Unless our young people have a better understanding of careers, what it takes to qualify for them, and begin preparing for them now, many will end up in dead-end, minimum-wage jobs with little chance for advancement – all at a time when the need for highly qualified, highly skilled workers has never been greater.
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Education in Maryland – What it means to business
To ensure that students are well prepared for the realities of today’s and tomorrow’s workplace, MBRT has:
pushed for high standards, rigorous assessments, and strong accountability
supported the State’s efforts to strengthen graduation requirements
advocated for continuous raising of the expectation floor and ceiling
High School Graduation Requirements The class of 2009 was the first required to meet the new graduation requirements: achieve a composite passing score on 4 end-of-course tests – English 2, Algebra 1, Biology and Government – or meet alternative competency criteria set by the state. 99.9% of 2009 seniors met the requirements: 92.5% by test performance 6.3% by bridge plan (project-based competency assessments) 1.0% by waiver
College Admission Requirements University of Maryland completer requirements
vs.
Maryland Scholars requirements
64.9% of the class of 2009 met University of
51% of the class of 2009 met Maryland Scholars
Maryland completer requirements (up from 60%
requirements (up from 47% in 2008)
in 2008)
4 3 3 3 2
English credits Social Studies/History credits Biological/Physical Sciences credits (2 lab) Mathematics credits (up to Algebra 2) * Language other than English credits or Advanced Technology credits
4 3 3 3 2
(only 4 USM campuses allow the option)
* For entering college freshmen in 2015, the University System of Maryland has raised admission requirements to include 4 math credits – one each year of high school, including Algebra 2 or higher during senior year.
English credits Social Studies/History credits Lab Science credits (Biology, Chemistry, Physics**) Mathematics credits (Algebra 1 and 2, Geometry) Language other than English credits ** preferred
Ö
Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Scholars program will likely align math requirements to the UM System requirements for freshmen entering high school in 2012.
“83% of middle school students surveyed said that they know nothing or very little about high school courses that are required to graduate.” A Voice from the Middle, 2007, www.nassp.org
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Motivating students to succeed in school and in life
Achievement Counts is an award-winning, comprehensive campaign that mobilizes parents, teachers, counselors, community leaders, employers and more than 3,000 business volunteers to inspire, motivate, and help students – throughout their school years – to achieve academic success…and ultimately professional and personal success.
Maryland Scholars Parents Count
Speakers Bureau
BeWhatIWantToBe.com
Letting students know
Helping parents help
Showing students that
Engaging students in
that choices matter,
their children succeed
hard work in school
career exploration and
courses matter
in school
pays off in life
academic preparation
Through the four interconnected components of the Achievement Counts campaign, we are reaching tens of thousands of students multiple times throughout middle and high school – in person, in print and online – to help inform their decisions and motivate them to excel in school and in life. Achievement Counts encourages, motivates, and helps students to take control of their learning, to complete rigorous coursework, and to prepare for the challenges and opportunities they will face after high school. By encouraging rigor, demonstrating relevance, building relationships, and providing information and incentives, Achievement Counts is creating an environment where students understand and appreciate the value of a good education and are willing to make the investment in their own future.
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Maryland Scholars
Whether a student wants to go to college or get a job after graduation, getting the best possible foundation in high school is essential. Even if students don’t know what they want to do after high school, taking the right courses now will allow them to follow any path they choose later on. Being a Maryland Scholar will help students qualify for college, grants, scholarships, and good jobs with benefits.
Maryland Scholars:
Is designed to increase the number/percentage of students who complete rigorous coursework and are well prepared to succeed in college and the workplace.
Is a national initiative of the U.S. Department of Education and endorsed by the Maryland State Department of Education.
Is conducted by the Maryland Business Roundtable for Education in partnership with Governor O’Malley, State Superintendent Grasmick, and local superintendents.
Utilizes business volunteers to encourage middle and high school students to take and complete a specific set of rigorous courses in high school.
Is reinforced throughout middle and high school with the help of teachers, counselors and the BeWhatIWantToBe.com website.
Was piloted in Harford and Frederick counties in 2003 and expanded to 23 of Maryland’s 24 school districts by 2005.
Is designated by the U.S. Department of Education and Maryland State Department of Education as the state’s “rigorous course of study,” completion of which qualifies Pell-eligible students for Academic Competitiveness and SMART Grants.
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Maryland Scholars
Maryland Scholars Course of Study 4 credits of English 3 credits of Math Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 3 credits of Lab Science Biology, Chemistry, Physics (preferred) 3 credits of Social Science U.S. History, World History, Government 2 credits of the same Foreign Language Students must attain a 2.5 GPA to qualify Courses highlighted in red exceed State requirements.
Financial Rewards for Maryland Scholars Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) The U.S. Department of Education has allocated an additional $4.5 billion in college tuition grants over five years for State Scholars who qualify for federal financial aid. Pell-eligible students who complete the Maryland Scholars Course of Study could qualify for an Academic Competitiveness Grant – $750 (for college freshmen) and $1,300 (for college sophomores). SMART Grants In addition to the above, college students with a 3.0 GPA who major in math, science or specific foreign languages could qualify for up to an additional $4,000 in grant money for junior and senior years of college.
From 2007 to 2009:
15,419 Maryland students received a total of $16.7 million in ACG and SMART grants.
Now I can concentrate on excelling in my courses instead of how I’ll afford my classes. 1st year college student in Harford County 2007Maryland Scholar/ACG recipient 11
Maryland Scholars
It’s working ! Since the introduction of Maryland Scholars, more high school students are taking and completing high-level math and science courses. Ultimately, students will be better prepared to enter and complete college or to qualify for higher paying jobs.
MBRT Board of Directors has set a goal that by 2011, two-thirds of Maryland high school graduates will meet the Maryland Scholars criteria. Data on course completion has been collected from 20 of 24 Maryland school districts. (Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, St. Mary’s Counties did not submit data.)
The chart to the right shows the number and percentage of graduates in each school district who qualified as a Maryland Scholar in 2008 and 2009. 51% of Maryland grads met the criteria in 2009, compared to 49% in 2008…an 18% increase, 4,500 more Maryland Scholars. 2010 data is currently being collected and will be tabulated in fall 2010.
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Percentage of High School Graduates Qualifying as Maryland Scholars 2008 and 2009
2008 Baseline
2011 Goal
0
10
20
30
50
60
Allegany *
32% (229) 50% (347)
40
70
80
90
100
80
90
100
Anne Arundel
39% (1959) 39% (1833)
Baltimore City
54% (1865) 47% (1616)
Baltimore Co.
47% (3525) 48% (3501)
Calvert
48% (677) 54% (787)
35% (146) 57% (211)
59% (1360) 65% (1602)
51% (562) 50% (536)
47% (955) 58% (1247)
50% (180) 43% (94)
71% (2127) 71% (2148)
63% (225) 71% (260)
27% (759) 34% (917)
56% (100) 65% (104)
Caroline
Carroll
Cecil
Charles
Dorchester
Frederick
Garrett
Harford *
Kent 4
Queen Anne’s
64% (359) 72% (426)
Somerset *
30% (49) 36% (917)
60% (206) 54% (185)
Talbot
Washington *
51% (801) 49% (763)
Wicomico
61% (533) 62% (582)
Worcester *
53% (302) 52% (257)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
* Counties reporting a very limited number of specific rigorous lab science courses as a substitute for Physics 13
Why your voice and advice are so important
“9 out of 10 middle school students say that it is
“Only 9% of high school teachers think preparing
likely that they will attend college.
students for college is their primary mission.”
7 out of 10 indicate that they have little or no
(Redefining High School as a Launch Pad, Deloitte Education Survey 2009)
information about how to choose high school classes that will prepare them for college.” (Reclaiming the American Dream, The Bridgespan Group, 2006)
“69% of high school dropouts surveyed say they were not motivated or inspired to work hard.”
(Civic Enterprises, 2006)
“5 out of 10 high school juniors and seniors reported that no one at school was especially helpful in advising on career/job options or options to further their education past high school.” (Decisions without Direction: Career Guidance and Decision-Making Among American Youth, 2002)
“Most high school counselors have such high caseloads that they are rendered ineffective. We need an Internet-based counseling system where you can look for a job and find what training you need to get the job.”
“Teachers view ‘motivating students’ as a challenge and identified it as the single most likely reason that
(Carnevale, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2009)
students are unprepared for higher education.” (Primary Sources: America’s Teachers on American’s Schools, 2010)
“The business community plays an essential role in changing student course-taking behavior. 83% of students said the presentation positively influenced their decision to take rigorous high school courses.”
(The State Scholars Initiative: Findings, Lessons Learned and Promising Practices, 2009)
Your Maryland Scholars presentation was more important than any academic lesson they will have this year. Teacher, Baltimore County 14
Maryland Scholars
What research shows The Cost of Dropping Out Hurts Everyone: More than 21,000 students did not graduate from Maryland’s high schools in 2008 – representing $5.6 billion in lost lifetime earnings for that class of dropouts alone.1 Over a lifetime, each high school dropout will cost the economy $260,000 in unrealized wages, taxes and productivity.2 Rigorous Courses Pay:
Students who took more rigorous courses in high school earned 13.1% more in wages than those who did not – college or no college.3
A Million Dollar Decision:
A typical college graduate will earn $1 million more over a lifetime than a high school graduate.4
Algebra 2 is Critical:
College students who completed Algebra 2 in high school are nearly twice as likely to graduate from college as those who do not.5
Remediation Takes a Toll: One-third of college students – and one-half of community college students – are required to take remedial courses in college (for no credit, but full tuition).6 A student who takes remedial courses is six times more likely to drop out of college.7 Students Want To Be Challenged and Motivated: 70% of high school graduates surveyed wish they had worked harder and taken more rigorous courses in high school.8 91% of high school students surveyed believe that the opportunity to take more challenging courses would improve high schools.9 69% of high school dropouts surveyed say they were not motivated or inspired to work hard.10 Employers Need High Level Skills: Employers say that high school graduates they hire need the same skills and knowledge that colleges require of incoming freshmen.11 90% of the fastest growing professions – and 60% of all current jobs – require postsecondary education.12 (See citations on page 24) 15
Maryland Scholars
Frequently Asked Questions from Students How do I become a Maryland Scholar? Tell your school counselor you want to be a Maryland Scholar, and add Algebra 2, Chemistry, Physics (or another lab science), and two credits of a foreign language to your high school schedule. Then complete the coursework with an overall 2.5 or higher GPA. While it is not required, we recommend that every student take a progressively challenging math course in every grade through senior year. What will I get if I’m a Maryland Scholar? Most important, you will get an education that will allow you to follow almost any path you choose after high school. Many school districts are recognizing Maryland Scholars at graduation with certificates or cords. As a Maryland Scholar, you can greatly increase your chances of:
Being admitted to – and graduating from – college
Earning grant and scholarship dollars
Increasing your lifetime earning potential by $500,000 to $1,000,000
Passing entry level workplace tests
Maryland Scholars who qualify for federal tuition assistance could be granted additional funding in the form of an Academic Competitiveness Grant. What if I don’t do well in one of the courses? Do your best. At the first sign that you are struggling, talk to your teacher and get help. In order to be a Maryland Scholar, you must complete the specific courses and achieve at least a 2.5 grade point average (GPA). An occasional C will not knock you off track if you’re getting mostly all A’s and B’s. But remember, many courses build upon the previous course. For example, you must do well in Algebra 1 in order to take Algebra 2. The earlier you take and complete Algebra 1, the better.
What if I fail one of the courses? You must pass each of the required courses to be a Maryland Scholar. If you fail one of these courses, you could take it again in summer school, evening school, or add it to your schedule the following year. It’s important to keep moving forward. Don’t give up on yourself. Ask your parents, school counselor, teachers, and friends for help.
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Maryland Scholars
Frequently Asked Questions from Students Can I still take electives that interest me? Yes. Maryland Scholars courses add up to 15 credits, and they include most of the courses already required by the State and your school district. You can take 7 or 8 courses each year, depending on how your school schedules classes. That means: in four years of high school, you can earn between 28 and 32 credits. Still lots of room for those electives. Do I need to take AP or Honors classes? AP and Honors classes are not required to qualify, but it is to your advantage to take the most rigorous courses you can. Employers and colleges are impressed with students who take Advancement Placement and Honors classes. Sometimes you can even earn college credit for Advanced Placement classes. These classes can also qualify you for an Academic Competitiveness Grant. I’m not good at math and science. Why should I take these classes? Students who don’t take Algebra 2 in high school struggle with math in college and are twice as likely to drop out of college. Having a college degree will double your income over a lifetime. Most careers, even those you wouldn’t expect, require high level math skills. Even if you plan to have a career that doesn’t involve math or science, these subjects will help you to think, understand and solve everyday problems better. The processes and discipline you learn in math and science will benefit you in life. What if my school doesn’t offer me the opportunity to take one of the required courses? Go talk to your counselor, preferably before the new semester classes begin. If, for instance, you signed up for Physics and you end up instead in a general science class, let your counselor know that you need Physics (or another strong lab science) in order to qualify as a Maryland Scholar. Get your parents involved if need be. If I qualify for an Academic Competitiveness Grant, can I use it at an out-of-state college? Yes. Academic Competitiveness grants are good at any accredited college in the United States regardless of the state in which you earned it.
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Speakers Bureau The Speakers Bureau was established in 1999 to help raise student awareness of the important connection between achievement in school and success in the workplace and in life, and to motivate them to take learning seriously and begin planning their futures. Primary messages
What you do in school counts …your future depends on it
Take and complete rigorous courses and work hard
You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it
1999
2009
80 speakers
3,000 speakers
2 districts
23 districts
in ten years!
We have reached more than half a million students
Through candid conversation and interactive exchange, students begin to understand:
What life after high school might really be like
How their classes relate to workplace expectations and exciting careers
The benefits of doing well in school
That their decisions and actions today will either open or close doors
That they control their own future
That someone out there cares about them and their future
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Speakers Bureau
Technology to help our speakers MBRT has built a number of tools with our technology partners (Thanks, Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and IBM!) to help make your volunteering experience a great one. Here is the breakdown of web resources you can access for your speaking needs:
Volunteer Management System ALL OF YOUR DETAILS & SCHEDULES
The Speaker’s Bureau Website BASICS . TOOLKIT . TIPS . HANDOUTS
About Find recruitment language here. More info about the program
Why do it Read stories & tips from fellow volunteers
Contacts Find your local coordinator, Ambassadors, and MBRT contact info
Your schedule Find your current list of classrooms you’ve registered to visit
Where you’re needed Up-to-date lists of schools still needing speakers
School details - MAPS ! - website address - school profile - school data - school coordinator - phone numbers Online Refresher Training (Once you’ve completed live training) Tools & helps Here is what you need! -
Training manual Lesson plan Handouts Tips & techniques Videos
- Refresh yourself - Grab current key messages - Review videos
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What you should know about
www. Be What I Want To Be .com
What is it? A website for you to share with Maryland students - designed to help students stay engaged with Achievement Counts - aimed at reinforcing Maryland Scholars messages after your presentation. - built to sustain the conversation with students started by you ‌ our volunteer speakers. The site inspires students to move from interest to action.
Where does it fit in for the presentation?
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What you should know about
www. Be What I Want To Be .com
What’s inside for teens ? - Exciting future careers (what’s out there and how to prepare yourself)
- Job profiles - an inside look (what people do at work, the $$$, how they got the job!)
- Interactive challenges (teens try it out … getting career and college ready)
- Goal setting and action steps
(steps teens can take now while in school)
- Rewards for students (earn points, prizes, help with internships, scholarships, etc.)
- Tips for success
(choices in school and life that help you reach your goals)
Careers & how to get them The website format is created from the high school student perspective, providing concrete examples of how their coursework in school is relevant and used everyday in workplace.
How does it work? Tips for speakers Speakers … challenge your students visit and What youtoshould sign up (its free)! know about
www. Be - They enter your name here What I Want To Be complete .com - Students online activities
GREEN Careers Share the new campaign !
(like goal setting, or college readiness) - They EARN POINTS
- Points lead to rewards & tips on finding internships & scholarships.
bewhatiwanttobe.com/GREEN
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Parents Count
It is so important for parents to be effectively involved in their children’s education and to understand – and act upon – the issues that will make a critical difference in their child’s ability to be successful in school and in life. Parents Count provides to thousands of parents – through workplace email and newsletters, school bulletins, newspaper articles, and a website – practical, easy to use pointers and strategies to help their children achieve in school at all levels.
Parents Count gives busy parents an
With its topical messages to parents in the workplace and in the community, Parents Count is a good resource for busy parents. It’s a one-stop shop where parents can quickly and easily get good information, helpful tips, and sound advice. Topics range from “back to
effective resource in an efficient format that helps them
school – making the most of a new beginning” to “preparing for college
support their
and the workplace.”
children’s academic success throughout
Messages and specific actions are crafted for parents of various grade
their school years.
levels (preschool, elementary, middle and high school) that align with Maryland Scholars messages encouraging students to take rigorous coursework, particularly in math and science. For more information, visit www.mbrt.org/parents.
“Virtually all teens surveyed thought the most important thing parents can do is stay involved in their lives and schoolwork.”
– Public Agenda
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Workplace Ready? What employers say about recent high school graduates
According to Achieve, Inc., employers are, by and large, unhappy with the skills levels of recent graduates. They are especially concerned about graduates’ abilities to think critically, communicate well and perform basic math tasks.13
High school graduates often are not ready for entry-level positions
The most common types of jobs for which employers hire recent high school graduates with no further education include labor, construction and skilled trades (38%) and services, including food service, personal services and cashiers (34%).
Employers estimate that 39% of recent high school graduates with no further education are unprepared for the expectations that they face in entry-level jobs.
Recent graduates are not prepared to advance in the workplace
Only 18% of employers say that most high school graduates with no further education are prepared for advancement in their company, which is only 8 percent more than those who say the same thing about applicants who don’t have a high school diploma.
Employers also estimate that 45% of graduates are not adequately prepared for the skills and abilities they need to advance beyond entry level.
High School graduates do not have the skills they need to succeed
40% are inadequately prepared in math
38% are inadequately prepared for the quality of writing that is expected
41% of employers are dissatisfied with graduates’ ability to read and understand complicated materials
42% are dissatisfied with their ability to think analytically
39% are unhappy with graduates’ ability to apply what they learn to solve real-world problems
A majority of employers (95%) say that providing opportunities for real-world learning and making coursework more relevant to work would improve things. 23
Citations 1.
Alliance for Excellent Education, Washington, DC, 2008
2.
Raising the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth and Our Nation, Jossey-Bass, 2008
3.
Rosenbaum, U.S. Department of Education, 2001
4.
College Board, 2004
5.
Rosenbaum, U.S. Department of Education, 2001
6.
National Center for Education Statistics, 2003
7.
Rosenbaum, U.S. Department of Education, 2001
8.
Achieve, Washington, DC, 2005
9.
State of our Nation’s Youth, Alger, 2005
10. Civic Enterprises, 2006 11. Achieve, Washington, DC, 2005 12. Raising the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth and Our Nation, Jossey-Bass, 2008 13. “Rising to the Challenge,” Achieve, Washington, DC, 2005
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Let’s Get Started
25
How This Works
n
Attend a training session and plan to make at least 4 classroom presentations. The sessions will take approximately 45 minutes to complete. You are free to conduct back to back sessions in each school. Speakers who attended live training in prior years may take the online refresher course. www.mbrttraining.org
o
After you have completed training, go to www.mbrttraining.org to select classroom sessions. You may choose schools, dates and times that are convenient to you. Put dates/times/schools into your calendar. Keep checking the website periodically, new school schedules are being posted almost every day.
p
Take time at home to review the lesson plan, personalize and practice your presentation. Find ways to add visual interest and opportunities for student interaction. (See “Presentation Techniques” on pages 39-44.)
q
You will receive an email reminder several days prior to your scheduled presentation.
r
Makes 35 copies of each handout (for each classroom presentation).
s
Arrive at the school 20 minutes before your scheduled presentation. Report to the school office to pick up magazines for students. Check directions ahead of time and allow time for traffic, parking, navigating through school. Being late is not acceptable.
t
The teacher will stay in the classroom with you, and will evaluate your presentation. Feel free to ask the teacher for help in answering questions, passing out materials, or keeping order.
u
At the end of your presentation, distribute magazines and collect student evaluation forms. Send student evaluation forms and your speaker feedback form to MBRT within 5 days after your presentation.
This is a serious commitment. Our credibility – and yours – is on the line. Our goal: a speaker in every classroom. 26
What happens if you don’t show up?
Students will get the exact opposite message from one we’re trying to deliver – that attendance & punctuality are critical. Teachers will have to scramble to fill the unexpected gap, and unhappy principals will call our office. Sometimes schools will stop working with us.
If you have an unavoidable conflict or an emergency situation, you must contact someone.
Here’s what to do:
Four days or more ahead – Go to www.mbrt.org/speak and delete your name from the schedule. The system will automatically open up the class for others to take and will notify us of the vacancy.
Three days or less – Call or email your district business coordinator (listed in your packet and on the website) or Joyce at MBRT (410-788-0333 joyce@mbrt.org) to let them know. They will try to get a replacement for you.
24 hours or less – Call the school coordinator (listed on the schedule that is emailed to you), explain your situation, express your regrets, and ask if your presentation can be postponed to another day.
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Important Things to Know and Do Maryland Scholars Course of Study
Be a Volunteer Coordinator of the Day
This is the centerpiece of your message to students.
To ensure a quality experience for students and speakers,
Because this program is somewhat complex and provides
we are encouraging veteran speakers to consider signing
low-income students with additional grant money for
up to be a “volunteer coordinator of the day” – which
college, it is important that you be familiar and
means you would choose a school and plan to be at that
comfortable with the messages and details.
school for the entire day. Duties include:
[Review carefully, pages 10-17]
Help greet and direct speakers
Act as liaison with school personnel
Improvements to Volunteer Management System
Provide schedule/contacts to school coordinator
With the help of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman,
Collect student and teacher evaluations
MBRT’s volunteer management system has been
Serve as a speaker in case of no-shows
expanded and improved. Speakers can access and print
[To sign up, go to www.mbrttraining.org, select
directions, school profiles, performance data, school
“volunteer coordinator signup,” click on the school you
contact name and email.
desire.]
[Speakers should go online – www.mbrt.org/speak -- to register, sign-up for training dates, and sign onto
BeWhatIWantToBe Upgrades
school schedules. Once your training has been completed,
www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com – has been expanded
you will be able to access the school schedules.]
and improved to include more career and college readiness activities. Students are rewarded for action
Refreshed Lesson Plan and Hand-Outs
online. New sections include the Maryland Higher
Some adjustments and improvements have been made to
Education Commission’s activities on College Access and
the lesson plan and hand-outs.
the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board’s initiative on
[Make sure you review and print the latest versions.
green careers. The Maryland State Department of
www.mbrt.org/speak/tools]
Education’s Career and Technology Education team has added to the “Be Anything,” section to encourage students
On-line Refresher Training
to pursue “non-traditional careers” all mapped to their
We have updated the on-line refresher training with
Career Cluster framework. Check it out, there is
videos for veteran speakers who attended live training in
something for every student.
past years and encourage all volunteers to take the course
[Speakers should visit www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com
prior to classroom visits.
and become familiar with the website in order to promote it effectively and encourage students to sign on and create
Veterans who can attend live training sessions are
an account.]
encouraged to do so, since their experience and input are Magazine – 2010 Edition
beneficial to new speakers.
A new, improved magazine has been developed by Middle/High School Audience Most presentations will be made to 9
MBRT and The Daily Record. Magazines will be delivered th
grade classes.
Harford and Howard counties want to include 8th grade th
students instead of 9 graders. And some districts will
to schools in mid-September. [Speakers should pick up magazines for their classes upon arrival at the school office.]
schedule presentations in some of their middle schools. Same lesson plan for all students.
If magazines are not provided to you at the school, get in
[To ensure you arrive at the correct school, check to see if
touch with the school coordinator. If no success, email
you are selecting a high school or a middle school.]
joyce@mbrt.org to let her know.
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Maryland Scholars Lesson Plan Purpose:
Motivate students to complete a specific set of courses that will help them succeed after high school, whether they go to college or enter the workforce directly. Send a positive message to students that what they do in school is important to their future.
Materials:
Handouts – 1) What It Costs to Live 2) Transcripts (blank/filled in), 3) “Now What?” 4) Student Evaluation Form, 5) Be What I Want To Be magazine
2010-2011 Introduction (3 minutes) Outcome: Students will know that you care about them and their future, and will want to participate in the lesson. Breathe, Smile Be professional, but relaxed
This is who I am Write your name and “Maryland Scholars” on the chalkboard. Introduce yourself. This is why I’m here Your personal reason… Representing Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (and local business organization) 3,000 people like me are talking with students across the state Letting you know that courses matter, choices matter Want you to have opportunity and a chance for a great life
Tell anecdote from your high school days
Frame the process Not here to give a speech. Want to have a conversation. Interested in what you have to say Set ground rules: one person talks at a time, respect each other Hope you’ll get a good idea of what life after high school will be like and what you can do now to make your dreams come true
Framing Future Goals (8 minutes)
You can break the ice by asking them questions like: What’s important to you? At what do you excel? What do you love to do?
Outcome: Students will start thinking about what they want to do after high school, and will be eager to use the BeWhatIWantToBe website as a tool. Your first chance to get them talking
It’s OK if students don’t know what they want to be – get them to dream Call students by name (Use tent cards or a seating chart)
Let’s start thinking about your future. Ask students to write down what they’d like to be doing five years from now. What do you want to be doing? What do you want your life to look like? Wait for a minute or two…then call on students to tell you what they wrote. Discuss. How do you think you’ll achieve this? Encourage specific examples. Introduce www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com Tell students about this really great website for teens that lets them explore exciting careers and find out what it takes to qualify for them. Write www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com on the chalkboard. Give examples of what they can find on the website – profiles of people in various professions who tell you what they do at work, how they got their jobs, and how much they make; ideas on how to prepare for careers; information on college and how to pay for it. Encourage students to go to the website, create an account, set goals, do activities, and earn points. They can win prizes.
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Page 2 – Lesson Plan Reality Check (10 minutes)
Let’s talk about what life will really be like after high school. Who wants to get their own place? Who wants a car?
Outcome: Students will understand connection between “learning” and “earning,” and will be motivated to take their school work seriously. Great place for interaction and physical movement Try an exercise here, i.e. monopoly money Let them do the work
Courses Matter… Choices Matter (15 minutes) Outcome: Students will realize the role transcripts play in getting them a job or into college, and are inspired to take the Maryland Scholars Course of Study Don’t lecture Keep asking questions
Watch your pacing, time goes quickly
What do you think it costs to live on your own? What kinds of things will you have to pay for every month? How much do these things cost? Make a list of their responses on the chalkboard/overhead (or ask a student to do this). Hand out “What It Costs to Live” – explain each section. Ask for their reactions or questions. What can you do to make sure you’re prepared for a successful future? What you do in your four years of high school is important to having a successful future. Besides your family and teachers, does anyone care what – or how well – you do in high school? Who? Why? How will they know? Hand out the two filled-in transcripts or display on an overhead transparency. Give them a minute to review. What can you tell about these students? Write down some of their answers. If you owned a company, which one would you hire? Why? Colleges and employers are asking for high school transcripts because they want to know: Are you prepared to do college work? Do you have the skills you need to be successful? Will you show up for class or work? Are you reliable? Would you be eager to take on a challenge? You want your transcript to shout “Yes” to all these questions.
This is a good place for visuals – overhead, posters or powerpoint
Go to www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com to take the “transcript challenge”
Hand out the blank transcript. This is what your transcript looks like at the beginning of high school. It’s a clean slate. You have the power to make it shine. As you complete courses, pass tests, accomplish tasks, earn awards, you are creating a picture of yourself that tells colleges and employers, “I’m the one you want.” Introduce Maryland Scholars
Show students the Maryland Scholars spread in the magazine (pages 50-51)
Speaking of completing courses, the courses you choose to take in high school will play a big part in how far you can go in life. You are in the driver’s seat. You have control. Hand out the “Now What?” sheet. Direct their attention to blue oval.
Give reasons why these courses will benefit them
Most of these courses you already need to take as graduation requirements. To become a Maryland Scholar, you only need to add: Algebra II, Chemistry, another lab science, and 2 years of a foreign language.
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Page 3 – Lesson Plan These are the courses you need to complete if you want to have opportunity in life – whether you go to college or right into the workforce. Use statistics on Maryland Scholars page of the training manual
If you take these courses, you will be more likely to: Get into college or get a good job with benefits Qualify for scholarships Graduate from college Earn more money in salaries (whether you go to college or not) The federal government has allocated millions in additional grant money to help students with financial need -- who complete the Maryland Scholars coursework -- pay for college. You could get an additional $2,000 to help pay for freshman and sophomore year tuition…and if you major in math, science, or specific foreign languages and keep a 3.0 GPA in college, you could get up to $4,000 a year for tuition in your junior and senior years. Go to www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com Sign up to be a Maryland Scholar and find out more about money for college.
Conclusion (7 minutes)
Many employers also do a background check – including drug testing, reviewing driving records, credit checks and criminal history…and some will look at your online profile (i.e. MySpace and Facebook). Be smart. Make good decisions in school and outside of school. Keep your options open. Don’t close doors to your future.
Outcome: Students are excited about creating their futures, and know specific steps to take to get started
You can make choices and take actions today that will get you ready for tomorrow. You can create your own record of accomplishment. You have four years to make it impressive. And all four years count. Just getting by is not good enough if you want to be ready for work or college.
Continue to be upbeat & positive
Talk to your parents, teachers and school counselor. They really do want to help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Create yourself…Be a Maryland Scholar.
Be candid with your answers
Three things you can do now (Write it on the board or hold up the “Now What?” handout) 1. Talk with your counselor…and your parents about being a Maryland Scholar 2. Go to www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com and create an account – stay with it 3. Work hard, have fun, create yourself Ask the students if they have any questions. Hand out the student evaluation form. (allow a few minutes for them to complete it) Collect the evaluation forms and hand out the magazines. Thank students and teacher for allowing you to be there.
Maryland Business Roundtable for Education Within 5 days, send completed evaluations and your feedback form to:
rev.2010 MBRT, 5520 Research Park Drive, Suite 150, Baltimore, MD 21228
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TIP#1: Be sure that students know - courses matter!
HANDOUTS Electronic copies of the handouts can be found online at www.mbrt.org/speak/tools
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What does it cost t o l i v e ? Monthly expenses Apartment Car payment Car insurance/gas/maintenance Gas/electricity Phone/Internet/Cable TV Food Entertainment
$800 300 450 150 150 350 200
Total
$2,400
Or, you could cut out a few things (such as a car, Internet, cable and entertainment). Do you really need such a big apartment? What about cooking instead of going to a restaurant?
Apartment Bus Fare
$600 60
Gas/electricity Phone Food
150 50 200
Total
$1,060
Will you be able to afford it? Sample salaries (based on 40 hours per week) – minimum $7.25 hourly = $1,160 monthly – taxes = $8.50 hourly = $1,360 monthly – taxes = $10.00 hourly = $1,600 monthly – taxes = $20.00 hourly = $3,200 monthly – taxes =
wage is $7.25/hour. $789 monthly take-home pay $925 monthly take-home pay $1,088 monthly take-home pay $2,176 monthly take-home pay
(Per week)
Pay Check Pay to the order of
(Per month)
Jane Eyre
Four-hundred six dollars and zero cents Earnings Regular Deductions
Rate 15.00 Gross Pay
Hours 40
Taxes Federal Income Tax State/Local Income Tax Social Security Tax Other Health Insurance Net Pay
This Period 600.00 $600.00 -102.00 - 36.00 - 36.00
Gross wages (x4 weeks) $2,400.00 Taxes withheld
Other deductions
$408.00 $144.00 $144.00
-
- 20.00 $406.00
- $80.00 Net pay $1,624.00
Here is what some Maryland jobs pay Projected Openings Median Median Occupation Education in 2016 Hourly Wage Monthly Wage Lawyer Bachelor’s degree & higher 4,230 $61.75 $10,700 Pediatrician Bachelor’s degree & higher 575 $61.75 $10,692 Veterinarian Bachelor’s degree & higher 1,470 $49.50 $8,560 Mechanical Engineer Bachelor’s degree & higher 1,310 $42.75 $7,419 Environmental Engineer Bachelor’s degree & higher 1,680 $42.00 $7,288 Zoologist Bachelor’s degree & higher 60 $41.00 $7,121 Biomedical Engineer Bachelor’s degree & higher 195 $40.50 $7,038 Nurse Bachelor’s degree & higher 25,700 $36.50 $6,317 Speech Language Pathologist Bachelor’s degree & higher 945 $36.00 $6,225 Accountant/Auditor Bachelor’s degree & higher 9,015 $35.75 $6,200 Landscape Architect Bachelor’s degree & higher 220 $33.50 $5,808 Environmental Scientist Bachelor’s degree & higher 2,515 $33.50 $5,792 Real Estate Sales Agent Associate’s Degree 3,045 $30.25 $5,229 Writer Bachelor’s degree & higher 675 $29.50 $5,121 Forensic Science Technician Bachelor’s degree & higher 115 $28.50 $4,950 Teacher Bachelor’s degree & higher 33,260 $27.75 $4,852 Police Officer High School 6,310 $27.50 $4,760 Graphic Designer Bachelor’s degree & higher 1,955 $25.25 $4,365 Plumber High School 5,170 $24.50 $4,254 Administrative Assistant High School 19,435 $23.75 $4,119 Carpenter High School 11,575 $20.75 $3,596 Emergency Medical Technician Associate’s degree 945 $20.50 $3,535 Dental Assistant High School 2,230 $17.00 $2,931 Fitness Trainer Associate’s degree 3,175 $15.25 $2,633 For more occupations, visit www.dllr.state.md.us/lmi/ and see the Occupation listings. Or, visit www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com .
Median Annual Wage $128,400 $128,300 $102,725 $89,025 $87,450 $85,450 $84,450 $75,800 $74,700 $74,400 $69,700 $69,500 $62,750 $61,450 $59,400 $58,225 $57,125 $52,375 $51,050 $49,425 $43,150 $42,425 $35,175 $31,600
What are you doing to prepare yourself to earn a good salary? 33
34
35
36
37
What Do You Think? When a college or employer looks at my transcript, they can see (check all that apply): __ Grades __ Attendance __ GPA __ Favorite color __ How dependable I am
On BeWhatIWantToBe.com, I can find information about (check all that apply): __ Jobs
___ Colleges ___ How to win prizes ___ Careers of the future
As a result of this presentation, I will… __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________
I understand what I need to do to become a Maryland Scholar __Yes
__No
What would make this presentation better? __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ How did I do? □ Exceptional □ Good □ Not helpful
Name of Speaker: ____________________________ Your Name: _________________________________ Your School: ________________________________ Your career goal: _____________________________ Student Evaluation Form - 2010-11 School Year
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TIP#2: Keep students active. Do not simply lecture.
PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES
New speaker? Need a little advice? Our Ambassadors are ready to help. They’ve been there. They know it can be a challenge. Reach out to these experienced volunteers.
Find Ambassadors on page 50, or> www.mbrt.org/speak/ambassador for a more recent listing.
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Preparing for your Presentation
Take time to review the manual, particularly the lesson plan and the handouts.
Visit the on-line refresher training module (www.mbrt.org/speak) for any reinforcement you may need.
Visit www.BeWhatIWantToBe.com so you can inspire students to create an account.
Think about ways to incorporate visual interest and interaction with students.
Jot down your key messages and reminders of personal anecdotes (index cards work well).
Know your key messages. Practice your presentation (maybe in front of some teens you know).
Be aware of the timing of each segment of the lesson. Time flies in the classroom.
Make sure you make copies of your handouts ahead of time.
You may call or email the school contact person if you have questions about technology or other special needs. (Be aware that it is sometimes difficult to get through to schools by phone.)
Know your audience. Performance and demographic data on each school is available at www.mdreportcard.org, and most schools have websites you can visit to familiarize yourself.
If you are a new speaker and feel the need for gentle immersion as opposed to baptism by fire, you can arrange to observe a veteran speaker in advance of your speaking commitment. Visit http://mbrt.org/speak/ambassadors or contact latara@mbrt.org.
Be prepared with directions and allow plenty of lead time for your arrival.
How to Engage Teens
Deal with students in a mature manner. Show that you respect them as young people who can take responsibility.
Establish an atmosphere that is relaxed, yet professional. Make your presentation conversational.
Don’t talk in a monotone. Be candid. Use humor. Speak from your heart.
Tell a few personal anecdotes. This will help students relate to you.
Keep the students talking, reacting, guessing, questioning.
Avoid the overwhelming temptation to lecture. If you talk for more than 2 minutes without a student speaking or engaging, you may be losing them!
If you notice that eyes are starting to glaze over, stop talking…and ask questions.
Don’t worry about filling in moments of silence. Silence can be good. It will force the class to think.
Move around as you talk and listen. Move toward someone sleepy or distracted, should you spot one.
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Preparing for your Presentation
Find ways to use students in your presentation, i.e. writing on the board, posing as a job applicant, posing as an employer.
Make your presentation visually stimulating. Use PowerPoint, props, handouts on color paper, etc. Be creative and have a plan “B” in the event of equipment failure.
Use student names whenever possible. (See tips on next page.)
Create a little competition.
Keep in mind – What’s in it for them. It’s about them, not you.
Exercise good judgment. You are a role model.
The best technique for maintaining interest is enthusiasm. Keep it up!
An
important caution about inappropriate language and contact with students: Do not use foul language or make references to drugs or other illegal activities. Do not physically touch a student. Handshakes are OK. Do not contact students directly (by email, phone, or in person) after the presentation. If you want to reconnect to show your interest in their progress, ask the teacher if a follow-up visit is possible.
Asking and Answering Questions
Ask a lot of questions, it will keep the students involved. The more you can get them to participate, the more they will get out of the presentation.
Ask questions that require more than a “yes” or “no” answer. o o o o o
How do you feel about…? What do you think about…? What would be your solution to…? Why is that important…? What is the relation between _____ and _____?
Don’t wait for students to jump in, call on specific students.
Acknowledge the students’ answers. Be diplomatic when an answer is wrong.
Encourage students to ask questions, and be candid with your responses.
Thank students for their questions (i.e. “That was a very good question,” or “Your question is right on target…”). This affirmation will encourage other students to speak up.
If you don’t have an adequate answer to a question, say so. Offer to find out and get back to them via the teacher at a later date.
Feel free to ask the teacher to chime in on a question you are unsure about.
Don’t panic if students deviate from the topic for a minute or two. This confirms your desire to be fair and open with them. But look for an opening to bring them back on track. 41
Classroom Management Techniques
Be sure to have everyone’s attention before you start your lesson.
Begin each class by telling the students exactly what will be happening and what you expect from them.
Establish your own set of rules prior to giving your presentation: pay attention, respect for others, raise your hand, and encourage participation.
Speak confidently and project your voice so that students in the back can hear you. But don’t let overly talkative students force you to yell. If the noise level gets too high, stop talking. They will get the hint.
Circulate, walk around the room.
Be courteous, prompt, enthusiastic, patient, organized and in control.
Using a student’s name will draw them back in if they are chatting with their neighbor or nodding off. Just drop the student’s name into your dialogue in a natural way.
In order to have respect, you must give it.
Be aware that students may not be on their best behavior if a substitute teacher is on duty in your classroom or if the regular teacher leaves the room. If student behavior becomes a problem, here are some suggestions:
To get their attention, stop talking for a few moments.
Let students know that you will not continue without their attention and respect – in which case, they can resume their normal class work.
Ask for reinforcement from the teacher or the substitute.
If the teacher leaves the room:
Follow him/her to the door and explain that their presence is required.
Send a student to the office with a note indicating that you have been left alone with the students in the classroom and request someone with supervisory authority to join you.
If you need immediate assistance, send a student to the classroom next door to ask for help from the teacher there – or locate the intercom switch and call the office.
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What’s working – suggestions from your fellow speakers Introduction
Ask students to write their name on a tent card and place on their desks.
Have the teacher provide you with a seating chart for the classroom.
Use a “hook” – something positive to which the kids can relate. For example, if you are speaking at your alma mater, bring your yearbook, football jersey, etc.
Set the tone for the session: there are no “wrong” answers, everyone’s opinions and ideas count, there is no homework, and we are going to have fun.
Reality Check
Bring in the Sunday Classified section of the newspaper. Divide the class into three groups: 1) find an apartment; 2) find a job; 3) find a car Compare figures to those on the chart. Bring in Monopoly money. Ask one student to act as an employee, and give him/her $2,400 salary. Ask other students to act as: landlord, banker, insurance, gas/elec. company, grocer, etc. Have “employee” go down line to pay off bills – see how much is left at the end.
Summary/Conclusion
Close with a strong quote and/or lasting message to the students.
Keeping Students’ Attention
Arrive early (before students enter classroom) and tape a few cards under randomly selected chairs. Have them look under their seats and provide a prize to those with a card.
Challenge the students to answer/ask questions and give them a prize when they do.
Provide opportunities for students to work in pairs or teams during your session.
Candy can be a good incentive. Most teachers don’t mind, but some do. Ask in advance.
For more ideas, visit www.mbrt.org/speak. If you develop any effective practices, post them on the website above or email them to us.
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What’s working – suggestions from classroom teachers
Put your best foot forward:
Arrive early.
Make your purpose clear from the beginning.
Let teacher know ahead of time if you need any special arrangements.
Make sure your presentation fits the time you have.
Make it active and interesting:
Make the presentation motivating and interesting – more hands-on activity, less lecture.
Develop visual aids – posters, charts, power point, props
Include some role playing of situations in the workplace.
Use a game, response system, or have students write on board.
Make it personal:
Bring pictures of what you do as a career.
Explain about your own school and job experiences. Discuss a typical work day.
Talk about your own cost of living. Use local data.
Use real-life examples: credit cards, bills, transcript
Talk about negatives…what happens if you don’t prepare for life after high school.
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Students React to Speaker Presentations: “Now I know that everything that I do from this point forward will impact my life and my future. Also I know that the classes that I take will help me to get into colleges and the academics that I do outside of school will help me tremendously with graduating, college and being a Maryland Scholar.” – Catonsville High – Baltimore
County
Today I learned A LOT! About career plans, salaries, and education. Also that you have to balance out how much you spend per month.” – Mountain Ridge High – Allegany County
“Today I learned that education is important for your future. Without good grades and a good transcript, it is hard to get a good career.” –Meade High – Anne Arundel
County
“Today I learned that I can be anything I want to be as long as I put my mind to it, have faith and confidence, and accomplish and succeed in school.” – Dunbar High School – Baltimore City
“You have to keep up your grades and make sure your attendance is good. The better you do in school, the more money you can make when you get older.” – Colonel Richard High School – Caroline County
“Today I learned that what you do in high school is important for your future. You have to do extra activities, get good grades and keep good attendance in order to be accepted into good colleges.” –Urbana High School – Frederick County
“Today I learned to work as hard as possible; to take harder classes to challenge myself; to make better choices about what to do with my life.” – Patuxent Valley Middle – Howard County
“Today I learned that hard work and determination will get me where I want to be.” – Easton High – Talbot County
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Teachers React to Speaker Presentations: “The students were very engaged. They were very willing to participate and give examples and input. They really enjoyed the game with bill pay. The students participated and were involved the entire period. Thank you for reaching out to this population. Your approach is wonderful. I loved the positive energy you showed from your presentation. The real life situations were great.” Teacher, Harbor City High School – Baltimore City
“Every head followed her as she moved in and out of the desks!” - Teacher, Eastern Technical High School – Baltimore County
“Students were excited about the information! An excellent idea to use transcripts. Materials were purposeful. Students received a ton of useful information.” Teacher, Milford Mill Academy –Baltimore County “The students were very engaged and enthusiastic. Excellent presentation. Highly recommended!” – Teacher, Liberty High School – Carroll County
“Students were attentive and asked many questions. This was my first time having the presentation in my classroom. I am very impressed!” – Teacher, Southampton Middle – Harford County
“This presentation was excellent. Students need to be aware of how much things cost and credit, higher education. The earlier children are aware of how important the choices they make are, the better decision-makers they will be.” – Teacher, Charles Herbert
Flowers – Prince George’s County
“The students were very interested and actively engaged. Great job! Great connection. Very relevant. Great presentation.” – Teacher, Northwestern High – Prince George’s County
“Excellent presentation! He related to the students, kept them interested, and really got them thinking about their career goals.” – Teacher, Easton High – Talbot County “The speaker did a good job explaining choices the students have after high school and explaining what they need to do now in order to get where they want to be in a few years.” – Teacher, Williamsport High – Washington County “All students were quiet and engaged. Students were genuinely interested in the topic.” - Teacher, Colonel Richardson High School – Caroline County
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Advice from our 2009 / 2010 TOP PRESENTERS:
Being a speaker is like being a doctor. You cannot just tell students about a Baron H problem, you Entrepreneur’s Success have to offer a Business Network way to solve that Speaker since: 2008 problem. 2009 presentations: 32
Don’t be afraid to be yourself. The students will like you! Be sure to share your Michael C APG Federal Credit story and be Union willing and able Speaker since: 2008 to hear their 2009 presentations: 32 Harford, Baltimore story. County
Begin speaking in a school district or school that you are familiar with, Laura S and then T. Rowe Price Speaker since: 2008 branch out to 2009 presentations: 13 other Howard, Carroll, and Frederick Counties counties as you become more familiar with the process.
Prince George’s, Baltimore, Talbot County & Baltimore City
Even the most experienced presenter must review, revise & revisit their presentation prior to presenting. Invest in your presentation 30 minutes to 1 hour of preparation & planning goes a long Shanna K way in delivery. You’ll be AWESOME, Northrop Grumman Corporation have FUN !!! Speaker since: 2008 2009 presentations: 13 Howard, Baltimore County
My advice to potential or inexperienced volunteers: just do it! We are responsible for our youth because they are our Zaundria C future. We must be a part of the Champion Express Prof. solution. We take time for all Tax Services. Speaker since: 2009 sorts of appointments and 2009 presentations: 10 events. A few hours out of your Baltimore City & County day can change a child for a lifetime.
Remember to speak to the students not at them. Don't Clyde M make excuses for Dare To Soar them and don't Speaker since: 2006 let them make 2009 presentations: 27 Baltimore, Talbot, excuses ‐ it robs Frederick, Howard, them of their Harford County future.
Make the presentations fun and interactive, pick on those that you think aren’t Denise M paying attention, Merrill Lynch Speaker since: 2003 and play to the 2009 presentations: 10 crowd. Carroll County
Don't let teenagers intimidate you, they are actually fun to Jeff S work with as University of MD long as you Extension Speaker since: 2003 engage them 2009 presentations: 17 and don't talk Washington County at them.
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Advice from our 2009 / 2010 TOP PRESENTERS:
Try to engage the students on a personal level. Let them know why this is important to you and why it should be important for them too. They are more likely to participate if it involves more Donna P than just answering questions. ViPs Speaker since: 2005 Role play works well.
Encouraging with a confident and positive attitude as well as using real life experiences makes a huge difference. The students will appreciate it all the more when they Sonya P see you having fun and enjoy sharing APG Federal Credit your time with them. Union Speaker since: 2008 2009 presentations: 14 Harford/Cecil County
Make sure you listen to the students as much as they listen to you and it will be an engaging John S experience. Verizon
Speaker since: 2004 2009 presentations: 11 Harford County
2009 presentations: 10 Baltimore County
Most importantly, rehearse and come prepared. You will leave an everlasting Raza K impression on Carroll Community College the students. If Speaker since: 2009 you need 2009 presentations: 13 help, feel free to Carroll County ask for help from another volunteer!
I ask students to think about what their parents do and if they Lynn G like their Johns Hopkins Federal jobs. That Credit Union gets them Speaker since: 2005 focused on 2009 presentations: 14 Baltimore, Harford, the real Calvert Counties world.
Remember there are some kids who may not have had anyone to encourage, motivate or reward them. They may be used to getting LaDonna S attention for being "trouble WEAA 88.9 FM Speaker since: 2008 makers". Watch and observe the 2009 presentations: 16 teacher/ student interaction when Baltimore City you first arrive and let that direct your presentation.
If you make eye contact and really try to connect with the children, you will make a difference in their day. Hear what they have to say. What are their hopes and Cynthia K dreams? What things are they Hagerstown Housing going through? What jobs are Authority they already performing?
Speaker since: 2001 2009 presentations: 16 Washington County
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Advice from our 2009 / 2010 TOP PRESENTERS:
Be patient with the students… walk around the room, make eye contact and ask questions to students that appear to be disruptive or not paying attention. Involving those students early will create a positive Jonathan E environment for all of the students & MedStar Health Speaker since: 2005 demonstrate your ability to take 2009 presentations: 30 command of the classroom.
Baltimore City & County
Be excited and prepared because it will always show and infect your students. Use a lot of illustrations Digna B and involve them; share your APG Federal Credit Union Speaker since: 2007 achievements and how you obtained 2009 presentations: 16 them including your failures and Harford difficulties and how you overcame them.
Always present a positive attitude, this first impression is a lasting one. What you are passing on might not bear fruit till later in life, but you are giving them Hope for the future. Good Luck. See you on the circuit.
Janice K Evergreen Heritage Center Foundation. Speaker since: 2008 2009 presentations: 12 Allegany County
Let students know that when they apply for a school or a job, they will be in competition with everyone else and their transcript and resume can either help or hurt them.
As a speaker, it is important to capture the attention of the class early. Personal stories and Emilio S experiences are a great way to do Lockheed Martin Corporation this. Team with another speaker Speaker since: 2009 for your first engagement. This 2009/10 ‐ Number of will help you to overcome some presentations: 22 Baltimore County of your initial fears and concerns.
Roy T Taylor Enterprises Speaker since: 2007 2009 presentations: 15 Baltimore, Harford
(Have you seen our recruitment flyer? Want to share it for us? You can grab it at mbrt.org/download )
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2010 Achievement Counts Ambassadors
New speaker? Need a little advice? Our Ambassadors are ready to help.
Name Angela Ballard‐Landers Michael Ches Doris Duren Robin Finch Kesha Jones Raza Khan Lisa Martin Clyde Middleton Tina Mike Stacey Schneider Cyndi Slacum Nina Spencer Don Musgrove
Company
Phone
Districts Served
WSSC
alander@wsscwater.com (Former AC Speaker of the year & SB Advisory Board Member)
301‐206‐8204
Howard County
APGFCU
mches@apgfcu.com
410‐272‐4000 Ext 5134
Harford, Cecil, Baltimore County
Constellation Energy
Doris.J.Duren@constellation.com
410‐265‐4183
Baltimore County, Baltimore City
T. Rowe Price
Robin_Finch@troweprice.com
410‐345‐8115
Baltimore County
KJones Consulting
kesha_simone@hotmail.com (SB Advisory Board Member)
443‐615‐9763
Baltimore County
Carroll Community College
rkhan@carrollcc.edu
(410) 386‐8222 wk (361) 222‐2224 cell
Carroll County
Wellness Evolution
wellnessevolution@hotmail.com (SB Advisory Board Member)
410‐707‐0055
Howard County
Dare to Soar
Clyde@DareToSoarLLC.com (Former AC Speaker of the year& SB Advisory Board Member)
410‐977‐3636
Statewide
APGFCU
tmike@apgfcu.com
410‐893‐7359
Harford, Cecil Counties
Northrop Grumman
stacey.schneider@ngc.com (SB Advisory Board Member)
410‐765‐7656
Baltimore County
Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center
cslacum@esahec.org
410‐221‐2600
Eastern Shore
APGFCU
NSpencer@apgfcu.com
410‐272‐4000 x3510
Harford County
AARP
DMusgrove@aarp.org
202‐434‐3119
Prince George’s County
About our Ambassadors Ambassadors serve as mentors to new volunteers to give advice and walk them through the process a bit. They’ve been there. They know it can be a challenge. Reach out to these experienced volunteers with any questions you have! Ambassadors are added throughout the year. For an update listing, visit www.mbrt.org/speak/ambassadors
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Maryland Business Roundtable for Education 5520 Research Park Drive, Suite 150 Baltimore, Maryland 21228 410/788-0333 (voice) – 410/788-0233 (fax)
Most volunteers in 2009
For more information, visit: www.mbrt.org June E. Streckfus Executive Director june@mbrt.org Kathleen M. Seay Deputy Director Director, Maryland Scholars kathy@mbrt.org
Thank you AAI Corporation for printing the 2010 Training Manual
LaTara Harris Director, Partnerships & Outreach latara@mbrt.org Will Anderson Chief Technology Officer BeWhatIWantToBe.com will@mbrt.org Julie Saffran Executive Assistant - Administration julie@mbrt.org Joyce Smith Executive Assistant – Programs joyce@brt.org
Special Thanks to: Northrop Grumman Corporation, The Daily Record, IBM Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Corporation for help in developing the volunteer management system, the BeWhatIWantToBe magazine, and on-line speaker training.
2009 – 2010 Achievement Counts Funders AAI Corporation, AT&T, Bank of America, Citi, France-Merrick Foundations, Governor’s Workforce Investment Board, IBM Corporation, Legg Mason, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corporation, M&T Bank, Maryland Higher Education Commission, Maryland State Department of Education (GEAR Up), McCormick & Company, Inc., NASA, Northrop Grumman, Pepco Holdings, Inc., Space Telescope Science Institute, Stevenson University, T. Rowe Price, TIME Center, Verizon
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